Alcoholic hepatitis is an inflammatory liver condition. The main cause is frequent, heavy alcohol use. Processing excessive amounts of alcohol can result in injury to the liver cells, which can lead to swelling and scarring of the liver.
The condition can be mild or severe. In severe cases, a person may require a liver transplant if they do not receive treatment or do not stop consuming alcohol during the early stages.
This article explores the relationship between alcohol and the liver, the symptoms and causes of alcoholic hepatitis, and possible treatment options.
Alcoholic hepatitis
Alcoholic hepatitisTrusted Source is a type of alcoholic liver disease that occurs when a person consumes more alcohol than the liver can process. The Alcoholic Hepatitis ConsortiaTrusted Source define alcoholic hepatitis as a condition with rapid onset of symptoms and liver swelling due to heavy alcohol use.
The liver is the second largest organ in the body. It is on the right side of the torso, under the rib cage. Its main role is to convert foods and drinks into nutrients that the body can use easily.
The liver also filters poisons and harmful substances, including alcohol, from the blood.
The liver breaks down alcohol for removal from the body. However, alcohol can damage and destroy liver cells, and the liver can only process alcohol in small doses. Any excess alcohol circulates throughout the body.
Drinking more alcohol than the body can process may causeTrusted Source injury or serious damage to the liver.
Alcohol and the liver
Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is an ingredient in beer, wine, and liquor that causes intoxication. Alcohol affects every organ in the body and the central nervous system. The way a person experiences the effects of alcohol depends directly on the amount they consume.
Excessive alcohol consumption can leadTrusted Source to a variety of health problems, including:
Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver
Inflammation of the pancreas
Cancer
High blood pressure
Psychological disorders
Alcohol dependence
Alcohol can harm a fetus during pregnancy and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. It can also lead to unintentional motor accidents and violence.
Signs and symptoms of alcoholic hepatitis
One of the most common signs of alcoholic hepatitis is jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes. Additional symptoms can include:
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain and tenderness
Fever
Tiredness and weakness
Weight loss
Alcoholic hepatitis can be either mild or severe. It is possible to reverse the condition in the early stages by ceasing to drink alcohol.
Severe alcoholic hepatitis can occur without warning, leading to life threatening complications, such as liver failure. Once the condition becomes severe, symptoms include:
a buildup of fluid in the upper body
Confusion and behavior changes
Liver and kidney failure
Signs and symptoms vary between people and depend on the severity of the disease. They can also flare up after consuming alcohol.
Causes and risk factors for alcoholic hepatitis
The main cause of alcoholic hepatitis is heavy drinking over an extended period of time. The process of breaking down alcohol in the liver causes inflammation that can destroy liver cells.
Over time, scars begin to replace functional liver tissue in the body. This interferes with how the liver works. Irreversible scarring, or cirrhosis, is the final stage of alcoholic liver disease.
Cirrhosis can quickly progress to liver failure once it develops. A damaged liver can also interfere with blood flow to the kidneys. This can result in damage and kidney failure.
Other factors can contribute to alcoholic hepatitis. For example, people with other types of hepatitis have a higher risk. As a result, it is not advisable for them to drink alcohol.
A person with alcoholic hepatitis may also experience malnourishment. Drinking significant amounts of alcohol can suppress the appetite. Alcohol may become the main source of calories for an individual. Malnutrition can also contribute to liver disease.
Other possible risk factors may include:
sex assigned at birth, as females may have a higher riskTrusted Source of developing alcoholic hepatitis
Obesity
Genetic factors
Race and ethnicity, as African American and Hispanic people may face a higher riskTrusted Source of developing alcoholic hepatitis
Diagnosis
Some people may not show symptoms until the disease reaches a severe stage.
A doctor will:
Take a complete medical history
Carry out a physical examination
Ask the person about their history of alcohol consumption and their drinking habits
Blood tests to determine alcoholic hepatitis can include:
Liver function studies
Cellular blood counts
Measuring bleeding times
Electrolyte tests
Tests for other chemicals in the body
An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI scan can show a more detailed view of the liver and any physical damage.
If other tests do not provide a clear answer, the doctor may conduct a liver biopsy. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the liver using a needle or through surgery for testing in a laboratory.
The results will help to determine the type and scale of the problem.
Treatment
The main treatment option for alcoholic hepatitis is to stop consuming alcohol. In cases of early diagnosis, abstinence from alcohol may help to reverse liver damage. In more advanced cases, it can still help to prevent the condition from progressing.
People can discuss options such as counseling, medication, and detoxification programs with their doctor to help them safely reduce their alcohol intake.
There is currently no cure for alcoholic hepatitis, but treatment will aim to reduce or eliminate symptoms and stop the progression of the disease. Scarring of the liver is permanent, but the liver can repair some of the damage.
Treatment aims to restore typical function to the liver as much as possible. Some options may include:
Dietary changes: A doctor may recommend dietary changes. Vitamin supplements or a focused diet plan may help to correct the balance of nutrients in the body if a person has malnourishment after regular alcohol use.
Medication: Doctors may prescribe medications, including corticosteroids and pentoxifylline, to help reduce liver inflammation.
Liver transplant: In severe cases, a liver transplant may be the only chance for survival. However, the process of finding a donor can be long and complicated.
A doctor may also suggest other lifestyle changes that can help to improve liver health. This may include:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Getting regular exercise
Avoiding toxins and illegal drugs
Using a condom or other barrier method during sex
Receiving vaccinations
Additionally, research continues into alternative medicines. For example, evidence suggests that cannabidiol may help reduce alcohol-related liver inflammation. However, more research is still necessary.
Doctors will likely emphasize that the best hope of recovery is to be aware of the possible signs and symptoms and to reduce, manage, or stop alcohol consumption before the condition progresses.
Treatment programs and support
Doctors may recommend alcohol treatment programs for people who find it difficult to cut out alcohol. Programs are available both in and out of hospital settings, depending on the severity of the dependence.
These programs can help people reduce and eventually stop consuming alcohol. Examples of these programs include:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides support and information for those looking for help for themselves or others.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers help and support for those seeking to reduce alcohol dependence, with meetings locally around the world.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)Trusted Source website can help people locate their nearest treatment program or alcohol cessation specialist.
*Source: MedicalNewsToday
